Ch. 291..300
Chapter 291 Matthew and Lindey had been like family to me, but I'd been terrified that all that love might've just been a lie. Could I really trust Thorsten's word on this?
I knew I shouldn't have been so paranoid, but after losing my parents, it was hard not to be.
I wanted to ask more, to get to the bottom of everything, but the words got stuck in my throat. So I'd stayed quiet.
"You probably didn't know this, but Matthew had a secret stash," Thorsten said, catching me off guard.
He chuckled softly. "Relax. It's not what you think. Matthew and I are completely different."
I couldn't help but smile a little. So Thorsten did have some self-awareness after all.
The internet had been full of gossip about his playboy antics. They said he'd had more girlfriends than he could count, but only one kid-Cole.
"Matthew and Lindey had a great relationship," I'd said, trying to steer the conversation somewhere safer. Thorsten had laughed again, and I couldn't tell if he'd found me amusing or just naive. "Matthew's stash wasn't just some rainy-day fund. It was the money from that big contract years ago, plus all the profits since."
He'd paused, giving me a look. "And it was all in Alan's name. It was meant for him."
I was stunned. I'd been at RiverwaveCorp for years and had no clue about any of this. Matthew had never mentioned a word.
"Matthew said that money was earned at the cost of Alan's life," Thorsten explained. "He doesn't feel right using it.
"Spending it would only remind him of the guilt, so every cent from that project went into Alan's account. *He said that one day, when you get married, it'll be yours. Consider it a gift from your late parents." Tears spilled down my face as I listened.
Guilt stabbed through me. Matthew had done all this for my dad and me, and I'd actually doubted them. "Keira, Thorsten said, his voice firm, "Matthew never let Alan down."
Not only did he not let my dad down, but he felt so guilty about that contract that he treated me better than his own son.
"What a pity." Thorsten sighed I wasn't sure what he meant by that, but I didn't have the heart to ask "Thank you, Mr. Drago," I said, my voice shaky with emotion, before turning and walking away.
I drove for what felt like forever before finally pulling over. I just sat there, staring blankly out the windshield.
Dupter 291 Even though everything Matthew had done really touched me, I couldn't rely on Thorsten's words alone.
I needed to find out the truth for myself.
***
I drove straight to the traffic police station to request the records of my parents' car accident.
"Sorry, this file is too old. If you want to access it, you'll need to make an appointment and provide proof of y your relationship with the victims," the officer said.
Proof of relationship?
Did I really have to prove my dad was my dad?
Frustration bubbled up inside me, and I was about to shap when a voice cut in, "Register her information and get it done."
"Understood, Chief, the officer replied, suddenly all business.
I turned to see who'd stepped in for me-and then I saw him.
Jace was standing right there, next to the Chief.
The Chief, who didn't know me at all, had spoken up because Jace must have put in a word for me.
"May I have your ID, please?" the staff member asked, snapping me back to reality. I quickly handed it Over.
After registering my information, they started searching for the files on the computer.
I stood there, nerves jangling, when I sensed someone come up beside me. I glanced over.
Chapter 292 "Keira!"
Brad flashed me a cheeky grin, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
Great. You really can run into jerks anywhere. I forced a smile. "What, did you get yourself in trouble again?
Someone like him wouldn't be here otherwise.
He nodded without an ounce of shame. "Yep, driving without a license That reminded me of him inviting me to his birthday party. He was still underage.
"Congratulations," I said dryly.
"Thanks!" he replied, completely ignoring my sarcasm I had more important things to focus on, so I turned back to the officer, who was still glued to the computer screen. My dad's case must have been too old; they hadn't found anything yet. "What are you doing here?" Brad leaned closer, clearly intrigued.
*Just handling some business," I brushed him off.
"What kind of business? Need any help? If it's something tricky, I can get someone to assist you," Brad offered, like he was trying to be some kind of hero.
I shot him a mocking smile. "You should probably focus on getting yourself out of here first."
Driving without a license was one thing, but if he'd hurt someone, he'd be in real trouble.
"I'm already off the hook," Brad said, looking smug.
I suddenly remembered seeing Jace earlier. Of course. He must've been the one who bailed Brad out.
The next second, I felt a light tap on my shoulder. Brad leaned in, lowering his voice. "My brother-in-law is pretty tight with the chief here."
T Just as I thought. But hearing him call Jace "brother-in-law" made me feel like I'd swallowed a rock.
This punk was really just here to mess with me.
"No need!" I snapped.
"It's fine, we're all family. I'll go talk to him now," Brad insisted, determined to play the hero.
He and Tanya really were siblings-both equally talented at being a pain.
But I was immune to their crap by now. And I'd learned how to play their game. "Sure, go ahead. I'll be right here, waiting."
Brad's annoying grin slipped for a second, but then he laughed. "Aren't you embarrassed?"
"If you're not ashamed, why should I be?" I shot back, completely shutting him down.
Brad shrugged and finally backed off, but it only took him two seconds to speak up again, "Keira, what are Chapter 297 you looking into?"
He leaned in, trying to sneak a peek, so I lifted my hand and shoved his head back. "Get lost."
"Ow, ow... that hurts!" Brad whined, though who knew if he was faking it or not.
"The farther away, the better," I warned, pushing him aside.
Just then, the officer finally found the documents I'd requested. "Printing's $1.25. Just scan the code to pay."
"Okay!" I pulled out my phone and noticed an unread message.
Ignoring it, I quickly scanned the QR code and paid.
The officer had already started printing, and the sound of the paper feeding through made my heart race.
Soon, the printing was done. The officer stapled the documents together and handed them to me.
Just as I took them, a familiar voice called out behind me, "Brad, if you get into trouble again, I'm not bailing you out next time." Tanya. Of course.
Brad was always acting out because he knew she'd cover for him.
I wasn't surprised she was here, but I really didn't want to get involved. I pretended not to hear and focused on the report.
But trouble has a way of finding you, especially when you don't want it to. Brad, the troublemaker, suddenly yelled, "Keira, save me!"
Before I could react, he darted toward me and hid behind my back, clutching my shoulders.
Chapter 293 of frame practical Brad's six-foot frame practically knocked me over.
I stumbled, ready to go off on him, but then Tanya stormed over, her face twisted with rage.
For a split second, I thought, Wow, she looks awful. I couldn't believe I'd ever thought she was pretty.
I guess it's true what they say: looks can show what's inside. Tanya's heart was twisted and ugly, and now her face matched "Brad Twain, get over here," Tanya barked at Brad.
"Keira, help me," Brad whimpered from behind me, sounding like a scared little kid.
This was getting out of hand.
"Let go!" I snapped, feeling beyond frustrated.
"Please, help me!" Brad whined, clinging to me like some kind of human Velcro.
I gritted my teeth, lifted my foot, and stomped on his.
"OW!" He yelped, finally letting go. I wiped my arm like I could scrub off his clinginess and took a step back But Tanya blocked me again, I shot her a glare. "Move, "I didn't know you could be so heartless," she hissed.
I felt my blood start to boil. "Tanya Twain, if you've got problems, go see a therapist."
"You and Jace broke up, but you still let the Johnstons treat me like trash and make my life hell! I got kicked out, but Jace is already finding me a new place. Do you seriously think you've won?* So Lindey really went through with it-Tanya was out of that penthouse.
Yesterday, I'd tried to stop Lindey, but now? Now I thought she deserved a freaking medal.
With Tanya glaring daggers at me, I shrugged and smirked. "Winning doesn't matter. As long as it ruins your day, I'm good."
Her face went from red to ghost-white. This won't end well for you."
End well?" I scoffed. "The best ending is you losing everything."
f she was so set on making me the villain, I might as well own it.
You..." Tanya's lips quivered as she searched for a comeback but found nothing.
was so over it. I sidestepped her and headed out.
Behind me, Brad's voice rang out like the world's most annoying mosquito. "Keira, you have to come to ny birthday party- Ow! Tanya, why are you hitting me? Keira... help me..." lot this time, dude.
lis whining faded as Tanya probably took out all her anger on him. I picked up the Chapter 293 stack of onts in my hand. I needed some peace to read through them, so I hurried to my car.
But, as the saying goes, when it rains, it pours. Just as I reached my car, I nearly smacked right into Jace.
Of course. Our cars were parked right next to each other.
I had zero interest in talking to him, so I yanked open my car door, ready to make a quick escape. But he called out, "Rea."
I didn't bother looking back. "I'm busy," I said over my shoulder, sliding into the car.
But before I could shut the door, Jace grabbed it. All I wanted was a moment to read my parents' accident report, but it seemed like everyone was hell-bent on getting in my way. Fuming, I snapped, "Jace Johnston, what do you want? Let go! We're done. There's nothing left to talk about."
"My mom kicked Tanya out of that penthouse. Did you know that?" His eyes were dark, searching mine.
It wasn't really a question. He already thought I was behind it.
I got why Tanya would blame me, but Jace? We'd been together for ten years, and he actually thought I'd stoop that low?
Wow. Those ten years meant nothing.
I didn't deny it. Instead, I looked him straight in the eyes and spat, "She was acting like she owned the place. She should've been kicked out ages ago.
Chapter 294 People like Jace and Tanya only picked on those they thought wouldn't fight back.
They treated me like this because my silence and indifference made them think I was an easy target, never realizing it was just because I didn't give a damn.
But if they wanted to see me as weak, it was time to show them that even the quietest knife had a sharp edge.
My words made Jace's expression darken instantly. "Rea..."
"Let. Go." I snapped again.
But he still held on, his grip tight. "I'm not blaming you. I just... wanted to let you know."
"Are you trying to piss me off?" Each word was like a dagger, meant to cut deep. "Save it. I don't want to hear it." - Jace's jaw clenched, and a vein pulsed at his temple. He was trying so hard to keep his cool.
The way b way he looked at me... In the past, he would've walked away by now.
But today, he didn't. He held my gaze for a moment before finally saying. "The amusement park is opening as planned. I want you to be there."
I felt my breath hitch, the refusal stuck in my throat.
That park wasn't just some random project-it meant everything to me.
I'd always imagined standing there on opening day, at the highest point, and telling Dad all about it.
"If you don't want to go because of me, I'll stay away that day," Jace said quietly, almost like he could sense my hesitation. It was almost sad, how hard he was trying to make it work.
I looked at him. "That's not necessary."
Then I twisted the knife just a little deeper. "You stopped affecting me a long time ago."
His face went blank, then he muttered, voice rough, "Do you have to stab me in the heart to feel I was done arguing. I reached for the car door. "I have things to do."
"Will you go?" he asked, still holding on.
"We'll see," I said, yanking the door hard. He finally let go, and it slammed shut with a loud bang.
Through the window, I saw him flinch and take a step back.
better?"
I started the car and drove off. In the rearview mirror, Jace stood there, looking like a guy who realized too late just how badly he'd messed up.
I let out a long breath as I pulled out of the parking lot. Glancing at the stack of documents on the passenger seat, I pressed down on the gas and drove to a quiet, empty spot where I could finally be alone. Taking a deep breath, I picked up the accident report and started flipping through it, page by page.
Chapter 294 The more I read, the more my hands shook. Finally, I had to close my eyes, my whole body trembling like might just break apart.
I think I finally got why Matthew and Lindey didn't want me to see this. They were scared I wouldn't be able to handle it. And now, I wasn't so sure they were wrong.
The report included photos from the scene. Even in black and white, the details were so horrifying that I felt like I was going to break apart.
Cold sweat soaked my skin. I dug my nails into my palms, but it didn't help.
I never imagined my parents had died like that-their bodies mangled beyond recognition....
If it weren't for their names on the report, I wouldn't have believed it was them.
My phone buzzed, but I was too numb to care who it was, let alone answer.
I forced myself to keep reading, but my hands were shaking so badly I couldn't even hold the thin stack of papers.
Black spots blurred my vision, and I knew I'd hit my breaking point. The shock was overwhelming: couldn't take it.
My hand fumbled for my phone, but everything started to fade.
Somewhere in the distance, I heard someone calling my name, but I couldn't respond.
drifted into a nightmare-my parents, the car crash, and something too painful to face. 'Ah="
screamed, unable to hold it in..
Kiki! Kiki..."
he voice was soft, gentle, trying to pull me back.
1 my mind, I saw my parents' faces.
Ciki, let's have gnocchi with cumin and ground beef for lunch, okay?"
Chapter 295
"Kiki, tonight Daddy will watch the stars with you."
"Kiki, be a good girl and take your medicine."
"Kiki..."
"Dad, Mom..." I reached out for them, but my hands were pinned down, and I heard a familiar voice calling, "Kiki, Kiki, wake up, wake up..."
I felt two hands gently cup my face.
Hayden's anxious face came into focus. His thumb brushed softly across my cheek. "Kiki, it's me."
It was Hayden.
I was finally pulled out of the heartbreaking dream, but as reality set in, the pain only got worse.
I bit down on my lip, so hard I could taste the metallic tang of blood.
In the next second, Hayden pried my mouth open. "Kiki stop. Don't hurt yourself. Please, listen to me...
His voice kept calling my name, but all I could see were my parents' faces.
"Ah!" I screamed again.
Hayden pulled me into his arms, and I collapsed against his shoulder, sobbing uncontrollably.
I pounded my fists against him, but no one could understand the depth of my pain, how much I just wanted to disappear.
My parents-my kind, loving parents-why did they have to die like that?
couldn't accept it. The more I cried, the more the agony consumed me. It was the kind of pain that made you want to tear yourself apart just to escape it.
But Hayden held on tightly, not letting me go. I couldn't hurt myself, so I bit down on his shoulder, hard.
And then everything went black as the storm inside me finally pulled me under.
When I woke up, there were no dreams, just the dim yellow glow of a lamp and Hayden slumped over in a hair beside the bed.
Memories of what happened before I passed out came rushing back, and I closed my eyes, exhausted.
he pain was still there, but it wasn't as crushing as before. I forced myself to bury the image of my arents' suffering deep down, where it wouldn't swallow me whole.
Do you want some water?" Hayden's voice was soft, almost hesitant. Even though he looked exhausted, e noticed I was awake right away.
nodded, not wanting to worry him any more than I already had.
ayden helped me sit up and brought a glass of water to my lips.
+25 RONUS
Chapter 295
"I've got it," I said.
But my hands were shaking so badly, I almost dropped it.
"Just drink," he said, holding the glass for me.
I managed to sip about half before it spilled down my chin. Hayden gently wiped it away, his fingers brushing my skin,
I glanced outside at the dark sky. "What time is it?"
"Ten p.m.," he replied.
My mouth opened, like I wanted to say something, but he just ran his fingers through my hair. "You're hungry?"
Not really. But seeing how tired he looked, I knew he probably hadn't eaten anything either.
I nodded. "Maybe some roasted pear soup?"
"Sure," he said with a small smile. "Anything else?"
Anything else? I hesitated, then thought of the pancakes my mom used to make. "Maybe fluffy cornmeal Jancakes too?"
Got it. Anything else?"
shook my head. "No, that's it." Then, after a pause, I added, "You can get something for yourself too.
le ruffled my hair gently. "Alright, hang tight. I'll get someone to bring it over."
le started typing on his phone. I didn't ask who he was texting-I was too drained to care.
just stared at the ceiling, feeling oddly detached.
he silence stretched on until my phone buzzed, snapping me out of it. Hayden glanced at the screen. efore handing it to me. "It's Wayne."
Chapter 296
Why was Wayne calling me so late?
I frowned as Hayden added, "He's sent you a few messages, too."
I still felt groggy as he handed me the phone. Everything was a blur, and I was too drained to think straight. Hayden gave me a reassuring look and said, "You don't have to answer if you don't want to."
I hesitated, my thumb hovering over the screen, unsure whether to pick up. Before I could decide, the call went to voicemail on its own.
I took the phone and opened the messages. They were the ones from earlier this morning that I hadn't read-all still marked as unread: [Rea, can we meet up?]
[Rea, there's something I'm not sure if I should tell you.]
[Rea, please reply when you see this.]
He'd sent those in the morning, and there were two more from the afternoon:
[Rea, I'm waiting for your reply.]
[Rea, are you really busy?]
Seeing them all lined up, I could practically feel Wayne's anxiety.
He'd been waiting for me to respond all day. Whatever he was debating whether or not to tell me, it had to be something big.
Wayne's always been like an older brother to me, protecting me from anything that might hurt.
So, if he's this worried now, what could it be?
After a few seconds of hesitation, I decided to call him back. He picked up almost instantly. "Rea, where ire you?"
What's going on?" I asked, skipping straight to the point.
There was a pause on his end. Just as i was about to press him, he asked, "What's wrong with you?"
le must've caught the exhaustion in my voice, but I was more concerned about what he had to say. "I'm ne. Seriously. What do you need to talk about?" Can we meet up now?" he asked,
was lying in a hospital bed, so meeting him in person wasn't exactly an option. I was about to suggest he ist tell me over the phone when the door swung open
ena stormed in, her face set in a scowl. "You wake up and the first thing you do is make a call? What gent business could you possibly have? Do you not care about your health?"
quickly covered the phone, not wanting Wayne to hear, but it was too late. His voice came through, Ixious. "Rea, are you sick? Are you in the hospital?"
Chapter 297
Oh, no way was she getting out of this one. I tightened my grip, practically pouting "Nope, I need to know
now.
Lena rolled her eyes and poked my forehead. "Fine, fine, He asked me if I still liked him."
"What?" My jaw dropped. "He actually said that? Like, straight up?"
She nodded, giving me this little half-smile. I squeezed her arm. "And? What did you say? Please tell me you didn't chicken out and deny it!"
"Do I look like a coward to you?" She raised an eyebrow.
I blinked at her. "Wait, so... are you guys, like, together now?"
She snorted. "Oh my God, you make it sound like we're having some scandalous affair."
stalling and just tell me what happened!" I said, practically bouncing with impatience.
"Stop st
Lena bit her lip. "Well, what do you think he said?"
Ugh, she was going to make me guess. I thought back to the way Nate looked at her the other day and joked, "Lena, I've had feelings for you for a long time." She snorted. "He only said a few words."
"Few words?" I blurted. "Like, I like you? Or even better, 'I love you? No way. Was he that direct?"
Lena flicked my forehead. "Nope. He just said, 'I know.
"What?" I stared at her, completely thrown. "And then?"
"There was no 'then," she said with a bitter smile. "Pretty much the nicest way to get rejected, right?"
I was speechless for a moment. Lena gave me a small, sad smile. "Not every story has a happy ending, so don't overthink it."
She stood up, but I grabbed her hand again. "So you guys just had dinner and that's it?"
"We didn't even get that far. Retta called him away before we finished," she said, tapping my nose. Seriously, stop worrying about me and get some rest."
She left the room, and I lay there, still trying to process everything.
A soft knock broke the silence. I figured it was Hayden coming back, but when the door swung open, my breath caught in my throat at who actually stepped inside.
Chapter 296
Why was Wayne calling me so late?
I frowned as Hayden added, "He's sent you a few messages, too."
I still felt groggy as he handed me the phone. Everything was a blur, and I was too drained to think straight. Hayden gave me a reassuring look and said, "You don't have to answer if you don't want to."
I hesitated, my thumb hovering over the screen, unsure whether to pick up. Before I could decide, the call went to voicemail on its own.
I took the phone and opened the messages. They were the ones from earlier this morning that I hadn't read-all still marked as unread: [Rea, can we meet up?]
[Rea, there's something I'm not sure if I should tell you.]
[Rea, please reply when you see this.]
He'd sent those in the morning, and there were two more from the afternoon:
[Rea, I'm waiting for your reply.]
[Rea, are you really busy?]
Seeing them all lined up, I could practically feel Wayne's anxiety.
He'd been waiting for me to respond all day. Whatever he was debating whether or not to tell me, it had to be something big.
Wayne's always been like an older brother to me, protecting me from anything that might hurt.
So, if he's this worried now, what could it be?
After a few seconds of hesitation, I decided to call him back. He picked up almost instantly. "Rea, where ire you?"
What's going on?" I asked, skipping straight to the point.
There was a pause on his end. Just as i was about to press him, he asked, "What's wrong with you?"
le must've caught the exhaustion in my voice, but I was more concerned about what he had to say. "I'm ne. Seriously. What do you need to talk about?" Can we meet up now?" he asked,
was lying in a hospital bed, so meeting him in person wasn't exactly an option. I was about to suggest he ist tell me over the phone when the door swung open
ena stormed in, her face set in a scowl. "You wake up and the first thing you do is make a call? What gent business could you possibly have? Do you not care about your health?"
quickly covered the phone, not wanting Wayne to hear, but it was too late. His voice came through, Ixious. "Rea, are you sick? Are you in the hospital?"
Chapter 297
Oh, no way was she getting out of this one. I tightened my grip, practically pouting "Nope, I need to know
now.
Lena rolled her eyes and poked my forehead. "Fine, fine, He asked me if I still liked him."
"What?" My jaw dropped. "He actually said that? Like, straight up?"
She nodded, giving me this little half-smile. I squeezed her arm. "And? What did you say? Please tell me you didn't chicken out and deny it!"
"Do I look like a coward to you?" She raised an eyebrow.
I blinked at her. "Wait, so... are you guys, like, together now?"
She snorted. "Oh my God, you make it sound like we're having some scandalous affair."
stalling and just tell me what happened!" I said, practically bouncing with impatience.
"Stop st
Lena bit her lip. "Well, what do you think he said?"
Ugh, she was going to make me guess. I thought back to the way Nate looked at her the other day and joked, "Lena, I've had feelings for you for a long time." She snorted. "He only said a few words."
"Few words?" I blurted. "Like, I like you? Or even better, 'I love you? No way. Was he that direct?"
Lena flicked my forehead. "Nope. He just said, 'I know.
"What?" I stared at her, completely thrown. "And then?"
"There was no 'then," she said with a bitter smile. "Pretty much the nicest way to get rejected, right?"
I was speechless for a moment. Lena gave me a small, sad smile. "Not every story has a happy ending, so don't overthink it."
She stood up, but I grabbed her hand again. "So you guys just had dinner and that's it?"
"We didn't even get that far. Retta called him away before we finished," she said, tapping my nose. Seriously, stop worrying about me and get some rest."
She left the room, and I lay there, still trying to process everything.
A soft knock broke the silence. I figured it was Hayden coming back, but when the door swung open, my breath caught in my throat at who actually stepped inside.
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"How'd you end up sick?" Wayne asked as he stepped in, holding a bouquet of flowers, his face etched with worry.
I suddenly felt awkward lying down now that he was here, so I grabbed the bed railing, trying to sit up. But Wayne gently pushed me back down. "You don't have to get up.
"I'm fine," I protested, still struggling to sit up.
With Hayden, lying down didn't feel weird or uncomfortable. I guess that's why he felt different from other
guys.
Wayne's eyes stayed locked on mine. 'Seriously, what happened?"
How was I supposed to explain that I'd spiraled after learning more about my parents? It wasn't like I couldn't say it-I just didn't want to.
Lately, I'd gotten so used to shrugging things off, keeping it all in. Easier that way.
"Just low blood sugar. I fainted," I lied.
Wayne didn't look convinced, his eyes scanning my face like he was trying to read my mind. Before he could start asking more questions, I cut him off. "So, what did you want to tell me?"
His mouth opened, but I could tell he was about to give me some lame excuse to keep me calm. "It's nothing important."
"Wayne," I said firmly, giving him my best 'no-BS' look. "If you've got something to say, just say it. Don't dance around it, or I'll worry even more."
"Let's wait until you're feeling better," he said gently, the way he always did.
That's just who he was-always the careful, protective type. Maybe that's why, even after all these years, I'd never seen him as more than a big brother.
I knew exactly how to handle him, so I put on my most impatient act. "Keeping secrets is just gonna stress me out, and that's not exactly helping my recovery, is it?"
Wayne sighed, looking a bit cornered. "Alright, I'll tell you."
He hesitated for a moment before finally saying, "Jace had a huge blowup with my parents. I'm guessing you didn't know that, right?"
"No, I had no idea," I replied honestly.
I'd seen Jace earlier, but he hadn't said a word about it
Wayne sighed. "My mom kicked Tanya out of one of Jace's properties, and they had a big fight over it. Then my dad got involved, hit Jace, and threatened to cut him off from the family and RiverwaveCorp." I knew about the whole eviction thing, but this? This was a whole new level of drama. When Lindey had talked about kicking Tanya out, I had a bad feeling, but she hadn't taken my advice. "So, what's the point of telling me all this?" I asked, sensing he had a reason for dumping all this on me.
Chapter 298
Wayne looked tom, like he was struggling to find the right words.
I gave him a knowing smile. "You want me to talk to your parents, don't you?"
"I know it's not fair to ask," he admitted, his voice soft, but they listen to you more than anyone else, and... "He trailed off, but I got what he meant. I always did. "And it's all because of me, isn't it?" I finished for him.
T
"That's not what I meant, Wayne said quickly, trying to backtrack.
I let out a dry laugh. That penthouse was supposed to be for me, but Jace let Tanya move in instead. That's why we broke up. I'm pretty sure I told you this before." Wayne gave me a complicated look, and I held his gaze. "But I never brought it up with your parents. I have no clue how they found out, but one thing's for sure..."
I took a deep breath and went on, "I didn't tattle. If I wanted Tanya gone, I would've kicked her out the second I saw her there."
"Rea, you've got it wrong. I never thought it was you. I just..." Wayne tried to explain.
I raised a hand, cutting him off. "Let me finish."
He fell silent, waiting.
"Lindey called me about this. I told her to let it go, that it was all in the past, but she wouldn't listen. And as for Matthew's decision to come down on Jace, that's a father-son issue." Wayne's eyes widened in surprise. I guess he didn't expect me to be so matter-of-fact about it. After
After a moment, he nodded. "You're right. This really has nothing to do with you."
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"Wayne, Jace is an adult. He has to deal with the consequences of his choices," I said.
Whether Matthew kicked him out or cut ties, it was all on Jace.
"I get that," Wayne sighed, "but seeing him and Dad at each other's throats is stressful. And if he leaves the company, it's definitely going to affect business."
I gave him a small, knowing smile. "Isn't that why you're here?"
Wayne looked taken aback. "I've never wanted to run the company. That's why I left in the first place."
Only he knew if that was the whole story, but it wasn't my place to judge.
Still, I shared my thoughts anyway. "Matthew must have a backup plan. If he's ready to let Jace go, it's because he knows the business will keep running without him," I said, keeping my tone practical. The world doesn't stop turning for anyone." Wayne just stared at me, speechless. He finally gave a bitter smile. "I guess I've been too narrow-minded."
"You just care too much," I said, giving him an out.
He looked at me. "Rea, you're different from four years ago."
Four years ago?
He had to be kidding. Even a kid can grow up a lot in four years.
"That's called growing up," I said with a faint smile.
Wayne sighed softly, his gaze lingering on me with a mix of emotions. "Yeah, Little Rea has grown up."
Hearing him call me "Little Rea" tugged at something deep inside. After my parents died and I moved into the Johnston residence, Wayne and Jace used to call me that. It was teasing, but with a warmth that made me feel like I belonged. But it had been such a long time since I'd heard that nickname.
"Wayne, let them figure it out. It's not good for you to get too caught up in it," I said, offering more advice than I usually would. Maybe because that old nickname brought back memories I thought I'd buried. Wayne nodded. "I know."
He looked at me intently and asked, "Are you sure you're okay? If anything's wrong, just tell me. I'll always be your family. II”
The door opened, interrupting him.
Hayden walked in, carrying food containers. He didn't look surprised to see Wayne there; he just gave him
a brief nod
Wayne stood up. "Rea, you haven't eaten yet?"
I opened my mouth to respond, but Hayden beat me to it. "We're about to eat now."
It was a polite way of asking Wayne to give us some space. Hayden might come off as distant, but when
Chapter 290
he spoke, he always got his point across.
Wayne picked up on it immediately. "Alright then. Enjoy your meal. I'll head out."
With both of them in the room, the air felt thick with awkwardness. I wasn't about to stop him. "Drive safe, Wayne." Something flashed in Wayne's eyes as he nodded and, on his way out, exchanged a brief look with Hayden.
The moment Wayne left, Hayden turned to me. "Do you want to eat in bed or at the table?"
I gave him a look. "My hands and feet work just fine. The table."
But before I could move, Hayden stepped over and scooped me up in his arms.
I instantly pushed against him. "I don't need this. I can walk."
"And what if I say I want to hold you?" His words were so simple, yet they made my cheeks heat up instantly.
"By the way, Mr. Hart, there's something I-" Wayne's voice cut through the moment as he walked back in.
Chapter 300
The scene was as awkward as you'd expect.
Except for Hayden.
"Just a moment," he said calmly, carrying me over to the couch like it was the most natural thing in the world.
He didn't rush out either. Instead, he took his time, wiping my hands with a wet wipe. "Eat first. The soup's a little hot, so take it slow."
Wayne hovered awkwardly at the door, clearly unsure if he should step inside or make a run for it. Even I felt the tension.
"I can manage, thanks," I said, hoping Hayden would take the hint and go see what Wayne needed.
Before leaving. Hayden made sure to open all the food containers, even placing the utensils in front of me with such care it almost felt like a final blow to Wayne Standing there in the doorway, Wayne had to watch this whole display of tenderness. I couldn't imagine how much it must've hurt, considering his feelings for me.
"What did you want to talk about?" Hayden asked as he walked over to the door.
Wayne stepped out, and they started talking in hushed tones, too low for me to catch.
Hayden came back three minutes later, his expression as calm and unreadable as ever.
Since I couldn't get a read on him, I decided to just ask. "What did Wayne want?" I asked, sipping my soup. "Nothing much," Hayden said, brushing it off. Then, maybe realizing how vague that sounded, he added, He was trying to recruit me." I blinked in surprise. "Recruit you? For RiverwaveCorp?
But Wayne was just an executive director now. Recruiting new talent wasn't his job-it should be handled by HR or someone higher up. Was he already gearing up to take over Jace's position?
If that's the case, what was the point of everything he said to me earlier? Was he testing me, or maybe trying to prepare me for what's coming?
"He didn't say where. Just asked if I'd be interested," Hayden replied as he sat down.
I absentmindedly stirred my soup with my spoon. "And what did you say?"
"Not interested," he said bluntly, without a hint of hesitation.
So direct. So unapologetically straightforward.
I couldn't help but laugh. He glanced at me. "What's so funny?"
"I'm laughing at how direct you are. It's kind of adorable," I teased.
Hayden's ears turned red again as he handed me a commeal pancake. "That's not exactly how your compliment a guy"
Chapter 300
#25 BONUS
"How should I compliment you then?" I teased, grinning. "Isn't calling you adorable a compliment?"
Hayden swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly. You can compliment me, but no one else can."
I blinked, caught off guard for a second, before realizing what he meant.
He handed me the pancake, and when I reached for it, our fingers brushed. The tiny spark between us was hard to ignore. "Hayden, you're a bit possessive, you know that?"
He didn't miss a beat. "Yeah, but only when it comes to you."
He really was a sweet-talker, always ready with a romantic line to catch me off guard.
I took a bite of the pancake. It was soft and slightly sweet, delicious, but still different from the ones my mom used to make.
Nothing ever compares, and now that my mom was gone, I'd never have her pancakes again.
"Is it good?" Hayden asked.
I nodded, not wanting to let my emotions show.
We continued eating, making light conversation here and there. By the time we were done, the heaviness I'd felt from thinking about my parents had almost lifted, replaced by a strange sense of peace from his presence. "Hayden, let's go home," I said softly.
He looked at me. "Are you sure you're up for it?"
"I'm fine, and I don't want to stay here," I insisted, sounding like a brat,
"Alright, we'll leave as soon as you're done eating. Hayden agreed, humoring me.
I smiled, and he raised an eyebrow. "Don't smile while you're eating, or you'll choke."
"Oh, so I shouldn't talk either?" I teased.
"In principle, yeah," he said, his tone almost too serious, reminding me of his military past.
I smirked, pushing his buttons a little. "If you're so principled, why don't you try to control me more?